The local track and field community are mourning the loss of veteran coach Lim Tiang Quee, who died of pneumonia at the Singapore General Hospital yesterday.

The 83-year-old, a former long jump national record holder, was also a teacher and national coach from 1968 to 1985.

Remembered fondly as a “grandfather” to his young charges, Lim’s coaching career saw him working with student-athletes from CHIJ Katong Primary School, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ Primary School and Jurong Secondary School, among others.

Among his sprinters who have gone on to succeed at the national and international stage are Shanti Pereira, Singapore’s fastest woman over 100m and 200m, and hurdler Jannah Wong who won bronze last week at the Asian Junior Athletics Championships in Taipei, setting a new national record in the women’s 100m hurdles.

In a tribute to Lim posted on Facebook, Jannah said: “No words can describe how thankful I am to have you as a coach. The workouts were crazy, but it was all worth it. I’ll miss you a lot and will always be thankful I had you.”

Singapore Sports School principal Tan Teck Hock, who worked with Lim at Jurong Secondary, also paid tribute to Lim, saying: “We must honour one of Singapore’s finest pioneer track and field coaches. Mr Lim in his later years was happy coaching primary school athletes and laying the critical foundation for their further development. His legacy will live on in the athletes from many different schools that he nurtured over the years.”

Lim’s funeral wake will be held on Friday at St Mary of the Angels Church at 5 Bukit Batok East Avenue 2.

LOW LIN FHOONG